Breaking a sweat at Silk jam
May 02, 2010
NOW 12 years old, the Smirnoff Raev Street Jam that takes place outside Club Silk annually, is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated fixtures on Kampala’s party calendar.
By Joseph Ssemutooke
NOW 12 years old, the Smirnoff Raev Street Jam that takes place outside Club Silk annually, is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated fixtures on Kampala’s party calendar.
It proved just that last Saturday night as thousands of Kampala’s party lovers flocked the street on which stands Club Silk to be part of the latest edition of the jam.
For the revellers, it was as usual — watching artistes on stage and engaging in outdoor dance combined into one. And maybe it can be said that once again it was an interesting carnival-like party to be part of — one moment eyes glued to the stage watching an artiste, and the next moment dancing in a circle with friends on the street.
The party started at 7:00pm. Artistes to perform included Eddie Kenzo, Jamal, Cindy, Aziz Azion, Raba Daba, Navio and Grace Nakimera.
However, in continuation of the trend that the event’s organisers first picked on New Year’s this year, none of the big artistes performed at the event — the likes of Chameleone, Bebe Cool, Goodlyfe, Bobi Wine and Juliana.
And though the artistes did a good job lifting the audience into a heightened party mood (Jamal, Raba Daba and Grace Nakimera especially), it looked like having the ‘giant’ artistes would have been an added advantage.
It is difficult to say whether the absence of those big artistes was felt by revellers.
However, some revellers were heard asking for the stars. In fact, when it turned out the MC’s pronouncement that singer Bebe Cool was coming up next on stage, was only joke, some sections of the crowd were visibly disappointed.
Still, it is hard to say whether their absence affected the turn up (which though admittedly big, was less than the usual count), especially seeing that the New Year’s jam turned out one of the biggest crowds in the history of the street party with no big name artistes.
Perhaps the omnibus rains (there was a sporadic drizzle) and coldness gave some revellers who were still at home a scare. Luckily though, for those at the party, it remained just that — a light rain.
On another plane, it was an opportunity for the Silk group to showcase their latest lighting and sound special effects. Club Silk DJs Shiru and Ivan also showcased their disc-spinning skills, getting the crowd worked up. The dancing continued till morning.
The event was, however, briefly frozen with news that singer Grace Nakimera had been attacked and sprayed with acid (which later turned out be a mild and less corrosive toxic liquid) as she left the venue for her car.
Nakimera was rushed to Paragon Hospital where no serious harm was detected, while revellers continued to dance.
At the end of it all, it was another great excuse for Kampalans to come out in droves and drink beer. And for sh10,000, it was worth it. Smirnoff Ice sponsored the do.
NOW 12 years old, the Smirnoff Raev Street Jam that takes place outside Club Silk annually, is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated fixtures on Kampala’s party calendar.
It proved just that last Saturday night as thousands of Kampala’s party lovers flocked the street on which stands Club Silk to be part of the latest edition of the jam.
For the revellers, it was as usual — watching artistes on stage and engaging in outdoor dance combined into one. And maybe it can be said that once again it was an interesting carnival-like party to be part of — one moment eyes glued to the stage watching an artiste, and the next moment dancing in a circle with friends on the street.
The party started at 7:00pm. Artistes to perform included Eddie Kenzo, Jamal, Cindy, Aziz Azion, Raba Daba, Navio and Grace Nakimera.
However, in continuation of the trend that the event’s organisers first picked on New Year’s this year, none of the big artistes performed at the event — the likes of Chameleone, Bebe Cool, Goodlyfe, Bobi Wine and Juliana.
And though the artistes did a good job lifting the audience into a heightened party mood (Jamal, Raba Daba and Grace Nakimera especially), it looked like having the ‘giant’ artistes would have been an added advantage.
It is difficult to say whether the absence of those big artistes was felt by revellers.
However, some revellers were heard asking for the stars. In fact, when it turned out the MC’s pronouncement that singer Bebe Cool was coming up next on stage, was only joke, some sections of the crowd were visibly disappointed.
Still, it is hard to say whether their absence affected the turn up (which though admittedly big, was less than the usual count), especially seeing that the New Year’s jam turned out one of the biggest crowds in the history of the street party with no big name artistes.
Perhaps the omnibus rains (there was a sporadic drizzle) and coldness gave some revellers who were still at home a scare. Luckily though, for those at the party, it remained just that — a light rain.
On another plane, it was an opportunity for the Silk group to showcase their latest lighting and sound special effects. Club Silk DJs Shiru and Ivan also showcased their disc-spinning skills, getting the crowd worked up. The dancing continued till morning.
The event was, however, briefly frozen with news that singer Grace Nakimera had been attacked and sprayed with acid (which later turned out be a mild and less corrosive toxic liquid) as she left the venue for her car.
Nakimera was rushed to Paragon Hospital where no serious harm was detected, while revellers continued to dance.
At the end of it all, it was another great excuse for Kampalans to come out in droves and drink beer. And for sh10,000, it was worth it. Smirnoff Ice sponsored the do.